A reader named Val wrote me about how she maintains focus with her health goals. I thought it was an excellent tip and wanted to share it with you to encourage you today:

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"I have a workout analogy that God gave me around the same time you sent this email (Kim's Note: Val was referring to my email 3 Ways to Handle Emotional Storms). 

I attend a one-hour weight lifting class that requires us to use bars with weights to strengthen different muscle groups. During one of the classes, the instructor reminded us that, as we tire at the end of a routine, our form can suffer. She encouraged us to maintain a tight grip on the bar so that we don't injure ourselves. 

Usually, my days start out great. I have a good devotion time with the Lord, I remind myself of the healthy things I need to be doing that day - from exercising to right eating, right attitudes, etc. It's at the end of the day that I tire and am so susceptible to weakness, giving in, losing my grip!  

Many a day I have gotten home and just thrown healthy habits out the window. In a sense, I have lost my grip on all the good things I know to do, on motivation, on perseverance - and boy does my "form suffer" (in more ways than one)!

So that's when I try to recall my gym class instructor's voice saying, "Keep a tight grip on that bar!" As far as I know she is not a Christian, but God is using her encouragement to help me keep my grip on Him as the day goes on, following hard after Him instead of allowing my flesh to take over and win out. I don't have victory all the time, but this example has been helpful to me!

God bless you and thank you for your encouragement too,

Val

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Val's message encourages me to stay focused on what is most important in life: finishing well in God's sight. I am living to hear Him say when I see Him face to face: "Well done, good and faithful child. Enter into the joy of Your Lord!"

How about you? If so, let's all keep a tight grip on that bar!

Be blessed in Health, Healing, and Wholeness,